The FTSE 100 edged higher on Wednesday, nearing record levels but underperforming European peers. Gains were led by pharma, with AstraZeneca up 3% and GlaxoSmithKline over 2%, while Unilever rose 2%. Elsewhere, gambling group Evoke jumped after reporting a 44% earnings surge on just 3% revenue growth, citing cost savings and better marketing. UK and Ireland revenue dipped post-Euro 2024, but earnings there rose; international sales gained 13%. On the other hand, Persimmon slipped despite higher revenue, flat profit, 4% more home completions, and a 7% rise in average selling prices, keeping guidance intact despite market uncertainty. Beazley fell over 10% after cutting full-year premium growth guidance to low-to-mid single digits, with H1 growth at 2% versus 6.9% a year ago, citing a softening insurance market with high supply and competition.